bulb corm tuber

Buttermint Spider Lily

Lycoris radiata 'traubiata Buttermint'

The Story

Plant Bio

Lycoris radiata is a perennial bulb known for its striking flowers that emerge from the ground seemingly barren, creating a dramatic effect.

This cultivar is distinguished by its unique, soft buttery-yellow flowers that appear on naked stems in late summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesLycoris radiata traubiata Buttermint provides striking, fragrant blooms in early spring, adding elegance and scent to gardens.
Practical UsesIts bulbs are easy to grow and naturalize, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and hummingbirds during blooming season.
SpeciesLycoris radiataRed Spider Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

16 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
  2. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil and promote root growth.
  3. Mist cuttings or division material in spring for new plants.
  4. Place in partial sun for optimal flowering; avoid full shade.
  5. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
  6. Mulch around bulbs to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant bulbs in a sunny, well-drained site for best flowering performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during active growth 🌱
  • Apply fertilizer in early spring
  • Mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
  • Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
  • Refrain from disturbing bulbs during flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant spring border with silvery foliageSpecimen planting in naturalized woodland gardensPotted display for early spring color

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Snowdrops Crocuses Primroses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Buttermint Spider Lily questions

What zones can Buttermint Spider Lily grow in?

Buttermint Spider Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Buttermint Spider Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Buttermint Spider Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Buttermint Spider Lily bloom?

Buttermint Spider Lily typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Buttermint Spider Lily need full sun?

Buttermint Spider Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Buttermint Spider Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Buttermint Spider Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Buttermint Spider Lily with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.